1957 Kodiak 56 inch

[Gator1]

I was wondering how rare it is to find s 1957 kodiak 60 inch in this weight range??

30-40 lbs


Thank you

[Gator1]

 

I found a 56 inch 27 lbs st  24 inches.  Should be good for my daughter.

[Wade Phillips]

Nice find for your daughter.

When you asked about finding a 60" 1957 Kodiak in the 30-40 # range, I hated to be the bearer of bad news and tell you that there were a far greater percentage of 56" bows made  in the light weights than 60" bows. Glad you found out on your own and located that 27# 56".

I would suggest putting a some finish over the areas were there is none.

The bow would look more original if you removed that non-original 3-line strike plate (likely made from a 1970s suede jacket) and put on the type of strike plate that was original to the 1957 Kodiaks as shown on the three lengths of white glass 57 Kodiaks below...

     

[Gator1]

Wade thank you.  I'm really excited it is going to be the most special bow I ever buy.  

Thank you for sharing your knowledge on vintage bears.

[Wade Phillips]

The other option I was going to mention to you was that if you wanted a 60" 1957 Kodiak...

You should also consider the 60" 1955 & 1956 Kodiak Specials as they are the identical shape bow to the 1957 Kodiak as they were all built on the same form.

The differences of course are cosmetic, glass color, wood type and labeling.

[Gator1]

Wade what do you think in brace height and max draw on a 56 inch??

Thank you

[Wade Phillips]

Mitch -

I've seen more broken 56" Kodiaks than any other length. I'm sure their are many reasons for these bows being broken, but overdraw likely caused some.

Back in the day, my Dad had a new 56" 1960 Kodiak for a few years and he always drew it to 31-1/2". But he never broke it from shooting it.

I'm certain every vintage bow has been treated differently over the past 50 or more years, but different bows hold up to use and abuse differently.

The most important thing is to keep an eye on the laminations and glass for separation and delamination.

For 56" & 60" Kodiak, 6 to 7 inches is a good starting point for brace height. I usually start at about 6-3/4". When someone who doesn't realize that brace height is individual to the individual bow, it's weight, draw length, the arrow and the shooter, I tell them that any of my suggestions for starting points are always plus or minus 100%.

That usually gets the point across that there is no silver bullet answer that is the same for everyone.

[Gator1]

Wade do you think 28 inches is safe or are these really be meant to shoot 27 and under.  That would' be my guess

[Wade Phillips]

Mitch,

I have a 56" 1960 Kodiak that is refinished and structurally sound & I don't think twice about drawing it to 28" when I shoot it and use it hunting.

I even drilled the riser and installed an original Bear quiver bushing from that era, so the bow is restored original.

No problems with it at all.

[Gator1]

Thanks wade.  I have this bow coming next week

My daughter will be thrilled

[Gator1]

Proud new owner

I'm jealous awesome grip on the 57.  I'm gonna have find a 45 lb 60 inch

 

[TRAP]

Looks like a proud new owner!!!!

Awesome!!!!